UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on January 19, 2026, making a brief but highly symbolic official visit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.From the moment the UAE leader landed, the tone of the visit was personal as much as diplomatic. PM Modi broke protocol to receive Sheikh Mohamed personally at the airport, greeting him with a warm embrace that visually captured the “brotherhood” narrative India and the UAE often emphasize.Both leaders then traveled together from the airport in the same car, underscoring a relationship that extends well beyond the formalities of statecraft.
Gifts presented by India
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was the gifting ceremony at the Prime Minister’s residence. PM Modi presented the UAE President with several traditional Indian gifts, each carrying cultural and diplomatic significance:
- Royal Carved Wooden Jhula (Swing): A beautiful handcrafted swing from Gujarat, richly carved with floral motifs. In Gujarati homes, the jhula stands for family togetherness, dialogue, and shared memories, a symbolic nod to the bilateral relationship and the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family.
- Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl in an Ornate Silver Box: Handwoven from the finest wool in Kashmir and encased in a silver-crafted box from Telangana, the shawl represents India’s treasured handloom craftsmanship.
- Gifts for Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak: A similar Pashmina shawl and Kashmiri saffron, famed for its deep crimson strands and scent, were given to the UAE’s Mother of the Nation, reflecting respect for UAE national heritage and women’s leadership roles.
These gifts were not merely ceremonial, they were curated to echo values of family, tradition, craftsmanship, and heartfelt respect.
Messages that reflect a bond
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the warmth and significance of the visit in a post on X, calling the UAE leader his “brother” and highlighting the strength of bilateral ties.“Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions.” — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of IndiaEchoing the sentiment, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the meeting as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation between the two nations, with a clear focus on future growth.“Today I was pleased to meet with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi to discuss opportunities to further strengthen the deep-rooted and historical ties of cooperation between our countries. Committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth, the UAE and India will continue working together to drive progress in future-focused sectors while achieving mutual benefit for our nations and peoples.” — Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
The $200 billion ambition
While the atmosphere was festive, the discussions were strictly future-focused. Building on the success of the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the two leaders set a staggering new goal: doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. To achieve this, several “new frontier” agreements were inked:
- Energy Security: A 10-year deal for LNG supply between
ADNOC Gas andHPCL starting in 2028. - Nuclear & Defense: Plans to explore Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and a new Strategic Defense Partnership Framework.
- Space & Tech: A collaboration to develop space infrastructure and a supercomputing cluster in India.
Common impact
For residents in both the UAE and India, this visit translates to more than just headlines. The focus on connecting Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the “Bharat Mart” in Dubai and the “Virtual Trade Corridor” means more local products on your shelves and more jobs in the market. Furthermore, the integration of India’s DigiLocker with UAE systems will soon make it easier for students and professionals to have their academic credentials recognized instantly, making the “move” between these two brotherly nations smoother than ever.
